By Ginger Broomes

The Orange Leader

Julie Reed with Nehmiah’s Vision addressed the Commissioners Court on Tuesday, providing an update on Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts that the group has been integral in providing in the wake of the storm.

A faith-based organization that helps out with disaster recovery, Nehmiah’s Vision has had 865 individuals calling them for assistance with approximately 51-percent of those people being from Orange County. They do have an application process with only 17-percent completing the application process (for assistance).

“If you could encourage residents to complete the process, it’s not a difficult process, it’s easier than getting a loan,” Reed said.

The paperwork they ask for is only what the grants require. They cannot get the funding they need unless they receive the grants. They currently have 15 ongoing projects in Orange and Vidor, repairing everything from sheetrock and insulation to flooring and cabinets.

“We received about 1.2 million in funding to date from various grants,” Reed said.

They have had 446 volunteers so far this year to help with those projects. 750 volunteers are scheduled to continue recovery work this summer in the area.

On Saturday April 21 and Sunday April 22, First Baptist Church Vidor will also host a SETX Harvey Recovery Conference in Vidor, where the group is headquartered. It will take place at the church and be led by Dr. H. Norman Wright, one of the nation’s leading Christian counselors who led counseling efforts in the wake of the 9/11 attacks and after the mass shooting in Las Vegas. Saturday’s conference will start at 8:30 a.m. and last until noon, and Sunday’s will take place at 9:15 a.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. They will have regular worship services at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday.

The grief and recovery conference is free to the public.

Anyone wishing to attend the conference may call the church office at 409-769-2418 or who needs rebuilding assistance, should contact Nehmiah’s Vision at 409-617-1038.

Evita Kemmer with the Special Angels Rodeo stated that there will be a fish fry benefitting their rodeo this Thursday at the VFW at 6:30 p.m.; everyone is invited.

The Special Angels organization provides a day of western activities, games, and family fun for the special needs community of Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana. The second Saturday in November will be the actual rodeo and they are needing volunteers. Anyone interested should contact Jo Harris at Farmer’s Mercantile at (409) 883-2941.

All commissioners were present except Judge Stephen Brint Carlton. Commissioner Jody Crump acted as Judge Pro Tem.

 

Edited to state First Baptist Church Vidor  is hosting the SETX Harvey Recovery Conference. Originally, Nehmiah’s Vision was stated as hosting the event.